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At his trial the court heard that he sexually abused the child at least twice, the second time ordering the girl not to tell anyone or he would get in trouble.

She ignored him, and told her family and the police were called.

The Herald can now reveal that earlier this year Richards went on trial a second time for alleged sexual offending against a second young girl.

In that case the jury found him not guilty and acquitted him.

In the Manukau District Court yesterday Judge Anna Johns sentenced Richards to six months' home detention and ordered him not to have any contact with a person under 16 except "under the supervision of an adult who knows about this offending" and with permission from his probation officer.

She also ordered Richards to pay the victim $3000 in emotional harm reparation.

Richards, who pleaded not guilty to the charge and still maintains his innocence, offered the reparation.

The girl's family did not ask for reparation, nor did the court suggest it prior to sentencing.

The Crown sought a starting point of 12 months' imprisonment for the pensioner, but Judge Johns said home detention was more appropriate.

She took into account the fact that Richards was a first time offender and over the years had given significant service to the community including his involvement with a local meals-on-wheels service, helping to transport cancer patients to treatment and running the Tuakau senior citizens group.

While he had a somewhat glowing record, the offending against the girl was "very serious", Judge Johns said.

There are three aggravating factors... (The victim) was a young girl who knew you and your wife as quasi-grandparents so your offending against her was a gross breach of trust.